Help me choose Plex server and general pc

[Nabs]

Due to upgrade my ageing 7 year old PC and wish to future-proof it, and wish quiet operation. I have no experience of water cooling.

Use: Plex server (including 4k), 3d printing and creating, home video editing (amateur level), basic home processing skills. No gaming

For the Plex side interested in quality - mostly will direct stream but wish the ability to transcode 4k if really required, and maximum 1080p to 7 streams + direct play 2x4k.

I thought:
Case : Fractal Design R6 (I do not need fancy led lights).

CPU: Ryzen 3900x or Intel i9900k
Mobo: If Ryzen 3900x then probably Gigabyte arorus pro wifi; if intel - not really sure

GPU: Reading probably need something like a p2000 (second hand) if Ryzen. May be an option as well with the intel i9000k although could use QuickSync - this may allow me to use other desktop tasks with someone else streaming at the same time.

Cooling : open to ideas. I have no experience of water cooling and am a little concerned re water in a pc case and therefore if it is a better (quieter option) would need probably to go for a sealed cooling solution like an AIO.

The way I see it I could stick with the Ryzen stock cooler (but would this be quiet?) or should I switch to a noctura set up (If there is room with a p2000) or AIO setup (the pumps may be distracting).

With the Intel route then again need to consider the similar options.

Operating System : windows 10
Core ssd: NMve 2 Adata 8200 1tb
Server/ media files: toshiba N300 12/14 tb
Ram: 2x vengeance lpx 3200mhz - 64GB (4x16gb)

I am unlikely to overclock much and ideally would like to future proof as much as possible.

I would be open to suggestions.

[Hoonigan]

Considering you aren't doing any gaming and a lot of CPU intensive tasks like transcoding Plex and home video editing, the 3900X makes much more sense with 12c/24t versus the 8c/16t in the 9900K.

Something like the ASRock X570 Steel Legend might see you well, with the 8x SATA ports as I imagine you're going to be firing several drives into this eventually. It's also one of the more cost-effective options for X570 at under £190.

For cooling, you'll be well served by a large AIO, something 280mm or 360mm, but for simplicity, you might want to have a look at the Noctua NH-U12A or NH-D15, both are more than capable of keeping your 3900X cool and will be whisper quiet while doing so. I'd avoid using the cooler that comes with the Ryzen 9 3900X, while it's capable, it's not the quietest.

GPU, you definitely don't need anything fancy so grab whatever you can that fits within budget.

[spacein_vader]

I'm assuming it'll be running 24/7 as a server? If so forget watercooling including AIOs, air is just more reliable and something good like a Noctua will be just as quiet. If Plex GPU transcoding is any good then you can get by with either the P2000 OR a 3900X rather than both. As most of the rest of your work is CPU bound I'd be tempted to get the 3900X and if its cheaper than the 2nd hand P2000 get a GTX1050 and apply the patch that removes the two transcode limit and see how you get on: https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/commen...NL&sh=ff7b5c34

[Hoonigan]

If Plex GPU transcoding is any good then you can get by with either the P2000 OR a 3900X rather than both.

I run my Plex server on a Ryzen 3 3200G APU, using the VEGA8 GPU inside the CPU. I can transcode a single 2160p-10bit stream to 1080p with about 50-60% GPU usage and 25-30% CPU usage. Whereas I can barely manage quarter speed, even on the fastest setting, if I use the CPU alone.
A 3900X might manage two or three 2160p transcodes but it would likely struggle beyond that.

[spacein_vader]

I run my Plex server on a Ryzen 3 3200G APU, using the VEGA8 GPU inside the CPU. I can transcode a single 2160p-10bit stream to 1080p with about 50-60% GPU usage and 25-30% CPU usage. Whereas I can barely manage quarter speed, even on the fastest setting, if I use the CPU alone.
A 3900X might manage two or three 2160p transcodes but it would likely struggle beyond that.

Fair point. P2000 looks worth a go then as they seem to be able to handle a lot of streams without issue.

[Zak33]

I agree about a Ryzen under a good air cooler. Noctua if you can stretch, and for a tad less money, a bequiet! Dark Rock 4 Pro

Get plenty of DDR4 while it's cheap...cos it IS cheap now.

[Nabs]

Thanks much appreciated, you are right re hdd

[Nabs]

Thanks it will be on 24:7

[Nabs]

Advice is much appreciated. Ryzen 3900x with p2000 it is with Noctua